Bro. Matt answered the call to preach in 1988. He was later ordained
in 2003 by his home church, where he served as an assistant to his Pastor for a period of two years before being sent out into the
ministry. He has previously served as a Senior Pastor in both West Virginia and Alabama before accepting the call of God and
Gospel Light Baptist Church to become Co-Pastor with Bro. Frank Shumate in January 2019. On June 1, 2021, Bro. Matt became our
Senior Pastor.
He is married to Joy, his high school sweetheart. They have been blessed with three wonderful children:
Devin, Hannah, and Caleb.
Bro. Frank Shumate - Pastor Emeritus
As Elijah
"mentored" Elisha in the Old Testament, so it was the intention of the Pulpit Committee, the Congregation, and Brother Frank to "mentor"
Brother Matt in all the many facets of the ministry of Gospel Light Baptist Church. On June 1, 2021, Brother Frank transitioned
to the title of Pastor Emeritus.
Bro. Ricky Rosario - Spanish Pastor
Bro.
Ricky was called to preach at a family camp when he was eleven years old. Being a pastor's kid, he started helping in the church
at a young age and was able to learn many areas of ministry. He went to prepare for the ministry at Hyles Anderson College and
graduated in 1995. He was ordained in 1996 and served alongside his dad in Florida as Assistant Pastor for a few years. He also
pastored in both Puerto Rico and Florida as well as helped three churches begin their Spanish Ministries, two in Florida and one in
North Carolina, before accepting the call to serve as Spanish Pastor of Iglesia Bautista Luz Del Evangelio in December of 2020.
He
is married to Crisalia. They married in January of 1998 and have been blessed with three children; Ricardo Jr, Elizabeth, and Sara.
Bro.
Tom Brown - Youth Pastor
Brother Tom Brown is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College. He has worked with church teens
and in Christian camps throughout his adult life. He and his wife, Katie, have three children. He serves as
Youth Pastor and Camp Director for the Church.
Gospel Light Baptist Church - Walkertown, North Carolina